Brighton Councillor Craig Kerr elected deputy mayor

Brighton Councillor Craig Kerr

Coun. Kerr said he was pleased to accept the position for 2013 and is looking forward to the job.

"It's a great opportunity to contribute a little further to council and the community," he said at a recent council meeting.

Coun. Kerr will be taking over for current Deputy Mayor Tom Rittwage who held the annual appointment for 2012.

Coun. Kerr was nominated by Coun. Emily Rowley and was the only nomination for the position.

During the Nov. 19, meeting Deputy Mayor Rittwage took the opportunity to apologize to the citizens of the community for the events that occurred at the Nov. 5 council meeting. He was referring to a heated exchange between himself and Mayor Mark Walas over an issue about the mayor's possible involvement in the repair of some downed power lines that resulted from a storm that hit the community early in the month.

"Frustration got the better of me and I'll strive to conduct myself better," he said.

After the meeting adjourned, Deputy Mayor Rittwage said he regrets not keeping his composure at the Nov. 5 meeting, and as elected officials they all have a responsibility to conduct themselves appropriately.

However he said he will continue to ask questions when he feels an issue needs clarification.